Bruce hails players and discusses Birmingham return

Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce praised his players for seeing out a victory over Fulham – and then turned his attentions to the local derby with his former club Birmingham.

Bruce has picked up seven points from his first three matches in charge, which began with a 1-1 draw at home to Wolves last weekend.

Following Tuesday night’s win at Reading, Jonathan Kodjia took advantage of a David Button error to see off the Whites at Villa Park and clinch back to back victories for the first time since April 2015.

“I’m delighted for the players because a week ago they were quiet. We’ve just tried to breathe a bit of life back into them,” Bruce said

“I think it’s fair to say we can only get better. We’ve got to still improve.

“We were better in the second half [against Fulham], we went 10 yards further up the pitch.

“Fulham are a good side. They were unbeaten away from home and you can see why. They didn’t really cause us any problems defensively but they keep the ball in deep areas.”

Bruce, who managed Birmingham between 2001 and 2007, returns to St. Andrews with Villa next Sunday.

“It should be a nice, quiet affair. I’m sure I’m going to be welcomed with open arms!” he joked.

“It’s a special occasion in the second city. I don’t think it’s happened for five years.”